It's Back!

[joe1602]

Just got the 318 back today. After 6 months of diagnosis, fixing, waiting for extra cash, and who knows what else, I think I have finally rid myself of the knock under acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear! The new (reman) driveshaft is IN and the knock is gone! I started with the front sway bar mounts, they needed to be replaced but it did not cure the problem. Then did the motor mounts, they were BOTH broke but it still did not fix the problem I was trying to diagnose. Then the transmission mounts, still no luck. Finally had to bite the bullet and take the driveshaft out. Could not get it rebuilt locally so I ordered one from driveshaft specialists in Texas. Just got it back on the road today & everything seems to work well & NO thunking noises. Can't wait to get it out tomorrow & have some fun. Boy, I missed driving that car! Thanks to everyone who was so supportive & helpful with their information & advice. Now have to start getting things ready for the autocross season in the spring. My son (teenti) & I will be trying to run the entire season in G Stock (both of us competing against each other in the same car), I can't wait!

[teen ti]

[joe1602]

Here are some pics of the new driveshaft. Plus a little extra. Sorry it took so long son, SOME OF US HAVE TO WORK! (Others should spend more time STUDYING than checking posts on 318ti!)

[teen ti]

looks good

[Sterndotstern]

If you don't mind me asking, how much was the new driveshaft? Did your old one go back as a core?

[joe1602]

New driveshaft was $358.00 shipping included with a $60.00 core charge. They sent the return label along with the new driveshaft so all I had to do was put the old one in the box, stick on the label & take it to a UPS store. Driveshaft Specialists in Texas. Very easy process to get it at a very resonable price.

[Sterndotstern]

That's shockingly reasonable, I bet you spent that much on the various mounts etc. Thanks!

E: BEAUTIFUL car, BTW, glad it's back on the road and putting grins on your faces!

[FunElan]

Nice to see the dogs enjoying your 1602! I want your steering wheel! And glad to see the ti is back.

-Matt

[Sterndotstern]

So presumably it was the center bearing that was causing the clunk? Or do you think perhaps something else that was removed/reinstalled during the drive shaft installation that might have solved it?

[zoner]

Glad it all worked out; so far I'm happy with Driveshaft Specialist's product and service.

Originally Posted by Sterndotstern

So presumably it was the center bearing that was causing the clunk? Or do you think perhaps something else that was removed/reinstalled during the drive shaft installation that might have solved it?

On my D/S, it was the u-joints that were bad. I initially replaced the center bearing and giubo on the old D/S and while it did help, it didn't remove all of the vibration/clunking. The u-joints had noticeable play in them when I removed the shaft the first time and after 130k miles, it was time to replace the whole assembly.

[teen ti]

I think we had it pinned as the U-joints as well

[joe1602]

Matt: Thanks for noticing the steering wheel on the 1600. I found that on an older 2002 when I bought the car in 1984. The original wheel was the huge plastic 3 spoke with the horn buttons on each spoke. This one has a foam/cushioned wheel with the horn button in the middle & is quite a bit smaller. It is the only one I have ever seen!

As for the driveshaft, those that have been following know that we have replaced the front sway bar mounts, bushings, & drop links, then we went to the motor mounts & transmission mounts. No dice on any of that. Then went to the driveshaft, replaced that with a remanufactured one (from Driveshaft Specialists) that had a new carrier bearing & U-Joints, also replaced the guibo/flex disc so I am not sure which of those 3 things was the culprit, but things seem to be much better now. Thanks to all who helped us with so many ideas on what to fix & how to fix it! Will keep you updated on other improvements we make through the winter to prep it for the autocross season in 2013.

[jca]

Pretty dogs you got there. I've enjoyed your son's posts on this site. That's great that you two share a passion for cars.

[Sterndotstern]

Originally Posted by joe1602

....new carrier bearing & U-Joints, also replaced the guibo/flex disc so I am not sure which of those 3 things was the culprit, but things seem to be much better now. Thanks to all who helped us with so many ideas on what to fix & how to fix it! Will keep you updated on other improvements we make through the winter to prep it for the autocross season in 2013.

Thanks for following up the problem post with the solution. So many searches end up finding a bunch of people asking "I have this, anyone solve it yet?" but no replies from those who have actually fixed the issue. Now anyone searching for a mysterious driveline clunk in their 318ti will find this thread and be enlightened.